Unrestricted.2016-11-142011-02-182016-11-141983-05http://hdl.handle.net/2346/14882The mid-range theory Consequential Relationism provided conceptual grounding for the empirical investigation of young adults' social network. Data were collected from 288 young, similarly aged adults, 72 males and 72 females from each of two cohorts. It was hypothesized that the numerous variables employed by researchers and clinicians to describe social networks could be reduced to at least two meaningful dimensions labeled structure and process. The hypothesis was confirmed utilizing factor analytic procedures. A second hypothesis stated that empirically defined dimensions could be utilized to predict young adults' personal well being and stress buffering capacities. This hypothesis also was confirmed. Cohort and gender differences were examined across both hypotheses.application/pdfengSocial psychologyYoung adultsFriendshipInterpersonal relationsDissertation